Pensioner died from ‘blunt force trauma’
A PENSIONER allegedly murdered in a Co-op store died as a result of severe blunt force trauma to the face and multiple face fractures, an inquest heard.
John Rees, 88, died during an incident at the convenience store in Tylacelyn Road in Penygraig, Rhondda, at 1.45pm on Tuesday, May 5.
Zara Radcliffe, 29, has been charged with Mr Rees’ alleged murder and with attempting to murder Lisa Way, 53, Gaynor Saurin, 65 and Andrew Price, 58.
The defendant, of Wyndham Street, Tonypandy, appeared at Cardiff Crown Court on Monday and a trial date of October 19 has been set at Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court. She remains in custody.
An inquest hearing at Pontypridd Coroners’ Court yesterday heard Mr Rees was shopping with his wife who remained in the car outside the shop.
The inquest heard that while in the shop he was attacked by a female unknown to him and he died at the scene as a result of his injuries.
A post-mortem examination carried out on May 7 determined a provisional cause of death as severe blunt force trauma to the face and multiple face fractures.
Senior coroner Graeme Hughes said: “Based upon that evidence I am satisfied I have the statutory duty to investigate the circumstances surrounding Mr Rees’ death.
“Charges relating to a homicide offence have been brought in relation to an individual and I have been requested to adjourn the hearing until the conclusion of those criminal proceedings.
“I am satisfied to do that so I open this inquest today and immediately suspend it pending those criminal proceedings.
“All that’s left for me to do is to pass on my condolences to Mr Rees’ family and friends.”
Mr Rees, of Trealaw, was married to Eunice, 87, and was a member of All Saints Church and rang the church bells every Thursday night in honour of NHS staff.